Metrocentre Gateshead has joined forces with Citizens Advice Gateshead on its 2023 Winter Warmer campaign, helping those who need it stay warm through the winter.
A donation box is situated outside Marks & Spencer on the ground floor of the Green Mall from now until end March 2024, where customers are encouraged to donate items to help Citizens Advice create its crucial Winter Warmer packs for those in need.
Even the smallest of donations can make a big difference, from a jar of hot chocolate to a winter hat or scarf, Metrocentre and Citizens Advice are encouraging people give what they can afford this festive season.
Donations of the following items are welcomed:
- Warm fleeces
- Snoods
- Blankets
- Hand Warmers
- Winter hats
- Scarves
- Jars of hot chocolate
- Mugs
- Blanket hoodies
- Supermarket gift cards
- Hot water bottles
To protect the safety of those receiving the Winter Warmer packs, customers are asked to only donate non-perishable goods and new, unused items.
Gavin Prior, centre director for Metrocentre, said: “We’re honoured to be supporting Citizens Advice with the Winter Warmer campaign this year, helping them to provide warm clothing and hot drinks to those in need.
“We’re encouraging Metrocentre staff and customers to come together and help make sure everyone in Gateshead is warm, safe, and comfortable this winter. Whether your donation is big or small, we promise it will make a big difference”.
Judith Wood-Archer from Citizens Advice Gateshead said: “The cost-of-living crisis has hit our communities hard. This is a chance to come together in support of the people of Gateshead, to show them that we’re here for them through life’s ups and downs, without judgement.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Metrocentre for supporting our appeal and to all of those who donate any items to make a winter a little more bearable for those that need it most. Our heartfelt thanks go out to you all.”
Why are donations so important? Despite Government support with fuel costs, issues with energy debt, prepayment meters, and people needing food banks are the highest they have ever been and show no sign of decreasing.
By the end of April this year, Citizens Advice Gateshead dealt with more people with energy issues, food bank referrals and accessing charitable support than they did throughout the whole of 2021, seeing a year-on-year increase of 43%.
Last year, over 600 Winter Warmer packs were sent out to people around Gateshead, but this was just the tip of the iceberg. It is anticipated the problem will be worse this year and more families than ever will be forced to choose between heating and eating.
Citizen’s advice and Metrocentre are calling for people of the North East to come together and support those needing help this winter.
